Harbinger is the fourth and final installment of the marvelous Books of the Orderseries by Philippa Ballantine. Although one could probably get away reading it solo, I do not recommend it. Ms. Ballantine has created an immensely rich fantasy world with stories that build from book to book, and it is best read from beginning to end. Harbinger truly is the climatic culmination of every moment and event from the previous three books – and a fantastic one at that!

The story opens not long after the dramatic conclusion of Wrayth, with the Order of the Eye and the Fist is ruins, the broken Emperor of Arkaym, Kaleva, set on revenge, and our favorite heroes (Sorcha, Merrick and Raed – along with the Rossin) on the run, recovering from the destruction brought about by Derodak. With so much of the world in disarray, the barrier between Arkaym and the Otherside grows incredibly thin, bringing all sorts of terror down of the citizens of the Empire. The trio work to start a new order and defeat Derodak before he breaks the barrier completely, letting through every geist, spirit and other nasty into the world of the living.

Once again, Ms. Ballantine has developed a unique story that gels into the overall story arc from the Books of the Order. She shares all of the secrets, answers many of the questions, and gives finality to a story that has spanned four books. What makes this such a wonderful fantasy is the author’s ability to spin a fantastical tale that is smart and enjoyable. The details are sublime, and the continuing mythology is engrossing.

The thing I love most about these books, which holds true in Harbinger, are the relationships and dynamics between the main characters. What started out as rigid and rough has transformed over time into a beautiful yet necessary symbiosis. Unfortunately for the characters, as the world draws to an end, their bonds are stretched and strained under the weight of individual growth as each comes into his/her own powers. Watching each deal with the changes and loss of the closeness of the bonds was heart-wrenching. Each must makes choices necessary for the good of the people, giving the story added suspense and drama.

Overall a wonderful story and fantastic ending to this complex and engrossing series. I have come to enjoy the trio along with the Rossin, and what occurs during Harbinger is a perfect ending for this series. Prophetic in nature and grandiose in scale, Harbinger takes the group we’ve come to care about and puts them through the ultimate tests in a battle for Arkaym. The story was completely riveting – much along the scale as the earlier three books. On its own merits, it is a worthy tale full of excitement and action. However, as the crowning jewel of an epic tale, it is extremely successful.

Each of the characters evolve into more – into what is needed to survive, yet it’s organic and not contrived. The ending battle was epic, but not overdone. The goodbyes were sad, but I was left with hope for the future. The Books of the Order series is a must read for fans of fantasy.

4.5 stars: Loved it – enthusiastically recommend (A)

About the Book:

The Deacons of the Order are all that stand between the wicked spirits of the Otherside and the innocent citizens of the Empire. They are sworn to protect humanity, even when they cannot protect themselves…

After the Razing of the Order, Sorcha Faris, one of the most powerful Deacons, is struggling to regain control of the runes she once wielded. The Deacons are needed more desperately than ever. The barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead is weakening, and the Emperor has abandoned his throne, seeking to destroy those he feels have betrayed him.

Though she is haunted by the terrible truth of her past, Sorcha must lead the charge against the gathering hordes of geists seeking to cross into the Empire. But to do so, she will need to manipulate powers beyond her understanding—powers that may prove to be her undoing…

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2 Responses to “Review: Harbinger by Philippa Ballantine”

Oh, this one sounds good! I also love the cover art and I LOVE the fact that it’s a series that is completed in 4 books. I enjoy my long series, but sometimes the prospected of having so many books to read just to catch up with a series can be overwhelming! I’m glad that you were able to enjoy the ending of this series.

OMG – Yes! You really should read this series if you are a fan of fantasy. It’s a great one!

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